Heated channel for preventing water penetration due to ice dams

ABSTRACT

An electrically heated channel is disclosed that prevents water from pooling on a roof behind an ice dam by providing a path for the water to drain from behind the ice dam and off of the roof. The invention heats small regions that provide drainage, thereby preventing damage from ice dam leakage while also minimizing energy use requirements. The channel has a bottom which facilitates drainage of the water, and sides which contribute heat to melting ice dams. In preferred embodiments, the sides are perforated and they facilitate melted water entering the channel for enhanced drainage. The electrically heated channel can be made of various materials, such as metal or plastic. The channel can be heated by an electrical heating element cooperative with the channel. In preferred embodiments the heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at above freezing temperature and/or at constant temperature.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to roofing technology, and more specifically to apparatus and methods for preventing leakage into a structure caused by the formation of ice dams.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice dams are a common problem for homeowners in regions that experience winter climates. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, cricket, or valley that prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. Ice dams can form when melted snow refreezes at roof edges, through a complex interaction informed by such factors as the amount of heat loss from a house, solar energy, snow cover, and outside temperature. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into the home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

Ice dams cause millions of dollars of damage every year. Water-stained ceilings, dislodged roof shingles, peeling paint, and damaged plaster are all easily recognized and usually repaired when weather or budgets permit. But other damage is not as obvious and often goes unchecked. For example, roof leaks cause wet attic insulation. In the short term, wet insulation doesn't work well. Over the long term, water-soaked insulation is compressed so that even after it dries, the insulation in the ceiling is not as thick. Water often leaks down within the wall frame where it wets wall insulation and causes it to sag leaving uninsulated voids at the top of the wall. Water from ice dams can infiltrate wall cavities. It dampens building materials and raises the relative humidity within wall frames. The moisture within the wall cavity eventually wets interior wall coverings and exterior claddings as it tries to escape (as either liquid or vapor). Moisture gets trapped within the wall cavity between the exterior plywood sheathing and interior wall finish. Structural framing members can decay. Metal fasteners may corrode. Mold and mildew can form on wall surfaces as a result of elevated humidity levels. Exterior and interior paint blisters and peels. And the well-being of allergy-sensitive individuals is compromised.

Three things are required for an ice dam to form: snow, heat to melt the snow and cold to refreeze the melted snow into solid ice. Ice dams can form when as little as 1 or 2 inches of snow accumulates on a roof—if the snowfall is followed by several days of sub-freezing temperatures. Ice dams develop as snow on the upper part of the roof melts. Water runs down the roof slope under the blanket of snow and refreezes into a band of ice at the roof's edge creating a “dam”. The dam grows as it is fed by the melting snow above it, but it will limit itself to the portions of the roof that are on the average below 32° F. So the water above backs up behind the ice dam and remains a liquid. This water finds cracks and openings in roofing materials and flows into the attic space. From the attic it could flow into exterior walls or through the ceiling insulation causing substantial damage to the interior of the home.

Ice-dams generally form along the roof's lower edge, usually above the overhang. Usually it is because the upper roof surface (toward the ridgeline) is at a temperature that is above freezing. And the lower part of the roof surface (along the eaves) is below freezing. The upper roof surface is located directly above the living space. Heat lost from the house warms this section of the roof, melting snow in this area. During periods of sub-freezing temperature the lower regions of the roof deck remain at sub-freezing ambient temperatures. Roof overhangs are not warmed by indoor heat-loss. Deeper snow and colder temperatures increase the likelihood and size of ice dams. Frigid outdoor temperatures assure a fast and deep freeze at the eaves. So the worst ice dams usually occur when a deep snow is followed by very cold weather. One solution is to use steeply pitched metal roofs. They are slippery enough to shed snow before it causes an ice problem. However, metal roofs are expensive and do not substitute for adequate levels of insulation.

Another potential solution can be to hack away at ice dams with a hammer, chisel, or shovel, but this is inconvenient and potentially dangerous, and may also be bad for the roofing itself. Another approach is to throw salt on the ice dam, but this may not efficiently solve the problem, and may cause damage to plants that are also affected by the salt. Another traditional method of reducing ice dams has been to install self-regulating heat cable in a zig-zag pattern along the roof eave. This method can be ineffective, particularly in very cold climates and in areas of heavy snow accumulation. Traditional “Zig-Zag” cables are not designed to be capable of clearing the roof edge, especially under heavy winter conditions. Other concerns about “Zig-Zag” wire is that it is very inefficient, costly to operate, and susceptible to damage from sliding snow, tree branches, and other roof hazards.

Heated apparatuses for helping drainage of melting ice dams, and thereby minimizing water infiltration into roofing structures, are known in the prior art. However, these apparatuses can be difficult to install and uninstall, and/or can unduly detract from the aesthetic appearance of a home. These apparatuses often involve unsightly parts and they do not facilitate both solar radiation, and low-friction drainage of water, in both an efficient and unobtrusive way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An electrically heated channel is claimed that prevents water from pooling on a roof behind an ice dam by providing a path for the water to drain from behind the ice dam and off of the roof. Rather than heating the entire edge of the roof, the present invention only heats small regions that provide drainage, thereby preventing damage from ice dam leakage while at the same time minimizing energy use requirements. The electrically heated channel has a bottom which facilitates drainage of the water, and sides which contribute heat to melting ice dams. In preferred embodiments, the sides are perforated, so as to facilitate melted water entering the channel for enhanced drainage. In preferred embodiments the electrically heated channel is made of metal such as aluminum alloy, or plastic such as PVC. The electrically heated channel can be heated by an electrical heating element cooperative with the channel. In certain preferred embodiments the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at above freezing temperature and/or at a constant temperature.

In one general aspect, the invention is a device for preventing penetration of water into the structure a shingled roof, comprising an electrically heated channel having a bottom and at least two sides and being adapted to be mounted to the shingled roof substantially in the sloping direction, with a lower end of the electrically heated channel extending at least substantially to the edge of the roof, for preventing formation of ice within the electrically heated channel, and thereby providing a path for water to flow through the ice dam and off the roof. In preferred embodiments, the lower end of the electrically heated channel is extended beyond a lower edge of the shingled roof. In some preferred embodiments the electrically heated channel includes two sides having a plurality of perforations formed therein, so as to allow water to enter the electrically heated channel through the two sides.

In some preferred embodiments, the invention includes an installation flap extending from an upper end of the electrically heated channel, the installation flap being insertable under a shingle of the shingled roof so as to facilitate the flow of water over the shingle to enter the upper end of the electrically heated channel. In preferred embodiments the invention is made at least partly of aluminum alloy and/or is made at least party of plastic material. In other preferred embodiments the at least a portion of the invention is black in color or clear. In preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel is heated by an electrical heating element that is cooperative with the electrically heated channel. In further preferred embodiments, the electrical heating element is an electrical heating cable that is a side wall and/or a base of the electrically heated channel. In other preferred embodiments, the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at above freezing temperature and/or at a constant temperature. In other preferred embodiments, electrically heated heating element is heatable by absorption of radio frequency energy. In some preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel includes an upper end and a lower end, the upper end and the lower end being configured so as to allow an extended electrically heated channel to be formed by connecting the upper end to a lower end of a second, substantially identical electrically heated channel or connecting the lower end to an upper end of a second, substantially identical electrically heated channel. In preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel has a width of substantially 6 inches to 8 inches, and/or a height of substantially 3 inches to 4 inches, and/or a length of substantially 72 inches to 96 inches.

In another general aspect, the invention is the invention is a device for preventing penetration of water into the structure a shingled roof, comprising a channel enclosure having an upper end and a lower end, the channel enclosure having a rectangular cross section formed by two side walls, an open top, and a base, at least one electrical heating element cooperative with the channel enclosure and able to maintain the two side walls and the base at a temperature above freezing, a plurality of perforations formed in the two side walls, the perforations being able to allow water to enter the channel enclosure and to flow therethrough, and an installation flap extending from the base at the upper end of the channel enclosure, the installation flap being insertable under a shingle of the shingled roof when the base is mounted to the shingled roof substantially in the sloping direction and the lower end is extended beyond a lower edge of the shingled roof.

In preferred embodiments, the open top includes brackets for reinforcement. In other preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the electrically heated channel is black in color, or clear. In other preferred embodiments, the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at least one of above freezing temperature, and at a constant temperature. In other preferred embodiments, the electrically heated heating element is heatable by absorption of radio frequency energy.

In another general aspect, the invention is a kit for preventing ice dams from forming on a shingled roof, the shingled roof having a sloping direction, the kit comprising a plurality of electrically heated channels that can be mounted to the shingled roof substantially in the sloping direction with lower ends of the heated channels extending beyond a lower edge of the roof, the electrically heated channels preventing formation of ice within the heated channels, thereby providing paths for water to flow through the ice dam and off the roof; a set of fasteners and roofing mastic for mounting the electrically heated channels to the shingled roof; and a set of swivel and cam buckles for adjusting and securing the overhanging lower end of the electrically heated channels to the lower edge of the roof. In preferred embodiments, the kit further comprises at least one electrical cable that is able to provide electrical power to the electrically heated channels. In other preferred embodiments, the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at least one of above freezing temperature, and at a constant temperature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the detailed description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a prior art, illustrating a cross sectional view of a house with an ice dam formed on a roof of the house;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment, showing at least one electrically heated channel with an upper end and a lower end;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a house, showing a plurality of electrically heated channels mounted on a shingled roof to provide drainage through ice dams on the shingled roof;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment, showing at least one electrically heated channel with an installation flap inserted under at least one shingle of a shingled roof;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the preferred embodiment, showing at least one electrically heated channel mounted to a shingled roof, wherein a lower end of the electrically heated channel extending beyond a lower edge of the shingled roof; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the preferred embodiment similar to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, but including at least one gutter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional view of a house 100 with an ice dam 102 formed on a lower edge of a roof of the house 104. In the house 100, heat travels to a surface of the roof 106 through conduction, convection, and/or radiation, thereby heating a portion of the surface of the roof 106. An ice dam 102 can form on a lower part of the roof. The ice dam 102 prevents melting snow from draining off a roof 108 and can lead to a pooling of water 110, which can cause water to leak into the roofing structure and even into the house 100, causing damage to walls 112, ceilings 114, insulation 116 and other areas.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of at least one electrically heated channel 200. The electrically heated channel 200 includes an upper end 202, a lower end 204, two side walls 206, 208, a top 210 and a base 212. The base 212 can facilitate drainage of the melted ice down the dam channel. In preferred embodiments, the top is open and includes horizontal support braces positioned at various points across the length of the channel. The side walls 206, 208 can include a plurality of perforations 214 formed therein to allow water to enter the electrically heated channel 200 through the side walls 206, 208. In preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel 200 further includes an installation flap 216 having a plurality of holes 218 and the installation flap 216 extends from the upper end of the electrically heated channel 202.

The electrically heated channel can be made from any sturdy material that is suitable for the drainage of water and prevention of ice dam leakage into a roof. In preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel is made, in whole or part, from metal such as aluminum alloy, or a plastic such as PVC. In some preferred embodiments, the exterior of the electrically heated channel can be partially or fully black, to aid in radiation heat absorption. In other preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel can be made of clear material, so as to minimize its visibility and therefore minimize its negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of the roof on which it sits. In preferred embodiments, the electrically heated channel can have a width of substantially 6 to 8 inches, and/or a height of substantially 3 to 4 inches, and or a length of substantially 72 to 96 inches.

The electrically heated channel 200 can be heated by at least one electrical heating element 220 that is cooperative with the electrically heated channel 200. The electrical heating element 220 can be an electrically heated cable, embedded in the side wall 206, 208 and/or the base 212 of the electrically heated channel 200. In preferred embodiments, the electrical heating element 220 can include a heating regulator to maintain the heating element 220 at a constant temperature. In some other preferred embodiments, the heating element 220 can be heated through the absorption of radio frequency energy. The heating element 220 can sustain the side walls 206, 208 and the base 212 at a temperature above freezing and provides electrical power to the electrically heated channel 200.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a house 300, illustrating the electrically heated channel 200 mounted in a sloping direction 302 of a shingled roof 304 of the house 300. The electrical heating element 220 cooperative with the electrically heated channel 200 melts snow on the shingled roof 304 thereby providing a path for melted water to escape off of the shingled roof 304. The lower end of the electrically heated channel 204 extends beyond at least one lower edge of the shingled roof 306 and provides a path (not shown) for water to flow through the ice dam (not shown) and off the shingled roof 304. The electrically heated channel 200 can be extended on the shingled roof 304 by configuring the upper end of the electrically heated channel (not shown) and the lower end of the electrically heated channel 204. An extended channel can be configured by connecting the upper end (not shown) of a first channel, to a lower end of a second channel (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the electrically heated channel, showing an installation flap 216 inserted under at least one shingle of the shingled roof 402 so as to facilitate water flowing over the shingle 402 to enter the upper end of electrically heated channel 202. The electrically heated channel 200 can be mounted to the shingled roof 304 by a set of fasteners 404 and roofing mastic 406. The set of fasteners 404 secure the installation flap 216 through the shingled roof 304 and a roof sheathing 408 by locking into the plurality of holes 218 in the installation flap 216 and the shingle 402 lifted is re-secured over the installation flap 216 with the roofing mastic 406 thereby rendering the installation flap 216 watertight. The electrically heated channel 200 may be made at least partly of aluminum alloy and at least partly of PVC material. At least a portion of an exterior of the electrically heated channel (not shown) may be black in color, or clear

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the electrically heated channel 200 mounted to the sloping direction of the shingled roof 302 with the lower end of the electrically heated channel 204 extending beyond the lower edge of the shingled roof 306. The overhanging lower end of the electrically heated channel 204 is secured and adjusted to the lower edge of the shingled roof 306 by a set of swivel 502, cam buckles 504 and a resilient strap 506. The resilient strap 506 may be made of nylon. The set of swivels 502 secured through the plurality of perforations 214 of the electrically heated channel 200 is attached to an at least one eye hook 508 by the resilient strap 506 with the cam buckles 504 so that the electrically heated channel 200 may be tightly secured to the lower edge of the shingled roof 306. The eye hook 508 is installed into an underside of a roof rafter 510 and the set of swivels 502 is secured through the plurality of perforations 214 by an at least one lock washer (not shown) and at least one nut (not shown). The set of swivels 502 can be moved up or down through the plurality of perforations 214 at the sides walls of the electrically heated channel 206, 208 to increase or decrease the overhanging of the lower end of the electrically heated channel 204. A fulcrum 512 attached to a fascia 514 adjacent to a lower edge of the roof rafter 516 fastens the resilient strap 506 to the eye hook 508. FIG. 6 is a similar view of the electrically heated channel 200 shown in FIG. 5. The fascia 514 adjacent to the lower edge of the roof rafter 516 includes a gutter 602 to collect the water drained from the shingled roof 304. The resilient strap 506 is fastened through the eye hook 508, with the gutter 602 serving as the fulcrum.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims. 

1. A device for preventing penetration of water into the structure a shingled roof, the water penetration being due to ice dam formation on the shingled roof, the shingled roof having a sloping direction, the device comprising: an electrically heated channel having a bottom and at least two sides, the electrically heated channel adapted to be mounted to the shingled roof substantially in the sloping direction with a lower end of the electrically heated channel extending at least substantially to the edge of the roof, the electrically heated channel preventing formation of ice within the electrically heated channel, thereby providing a path for water to flow through the ice dam and off the roof.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the electrically heated channel is extended beyond a lower edge of the shingled roof.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel includes two sides having a plurality of perforations formed therein, so as to allow water to enter the electrically heated channel through the two sides.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel includes an installation flap extending from an upper end of the electrically heated channel, the installation flap being insertable under a shingle of the shingled roof so as to facilitate the flow of water over the shingle to enter the upper end of the electrically heated channel.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel is made at least partly of aluminum alloy
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel is made at least partly of plastic material.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an exterior of the electrically heated channel is black in color.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the electrically heated channel is clear.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel is heated by an electrical heating element that is cooperative with the electrically heated channel.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the electrical heating element is an electrical heating cable that is embedded in at least one of: a side wall of the electrically heated channel; and a base of the electrically heated channel.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at least one of above freezing temperature, and at a constant temperature.
 12. The device of claim 9 wherein the electrically heated heating element is heatable by absorption of radio frequency energy.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel includes an upper end and a lower end, the upper end and the lower end being configured so as to allow an extended electrically heated channel to be formed by one of: connecting the upper end to a lower end of a second, substantially identical electrically heated channel; and connecting the lower end to an upper end of a second, substantially identical electrically heated channel.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel has a width of substantially 6 inches to 8 inches.
 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel has a height of substantially 3 inches to 4 inches.
 16. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrically heated channel has a length of substantially 72 inches to 96 inches.
 17. A device for preventing penetration of water into the structure a shingled roof, the water penetration being due to ice dam formation on the shingled roof, the shingled roof having a sloping direction, the device comprising: a channel enclosure having an upper end and a lower end, the channel enclosure having a rectangular cross section formed by two side walls, an open top, and a base; at least one electrical heating element cooperative with the channel enclosure and able to maintain the two side walls and the base at a temperature above freezing; a plurality of perforations formed in the two side walls, the perforations being able to allow water to enter the channel enclosure and to flow therethrough; and an installation flap extending from the base at the upper end of the channel enclosure, the installation flap being insertable under a shingle of the shingled roof when the base is mounted to the shingled roof substantially in the sloping direction and the lower end is extended beyond a lower edge of the shingled roof.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the open top includes brackets for reinforcement.
 19. The device of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of an exterior of the electrically heated channel is black in color.
 20. The device of claim 17, wherein at least a portion of the electrically heated channel is clear.
 21. The device of claim 17, wherein the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at least one of above freezing temperature, and at a constant temperature.
 22. The device of claim 17 wherein the electrically heated heating element is heatable by absorption of radio frequency energy.
 23. A kit for preventing ice dams from forming on a shingled roof, the shingled roof having a sloping direction, the kit comprising: a plurality of electrically heated channels that can be mounted to the shingled roof substantially in the sloping direction with lower ends of the heated channels extending beyond a lower edge of the roof, the electrically heated channels preventing formation of ice within the heated channels, thereby providing paths for water to flow through the ice dam and off the roof; a set of fasteners and roofing mastic for mounting the electrically heated channels to the shingled roof; and a set of swivel and cam buckles for adjusting and securing the overhanging lower end of the electrically heated channels to the lower edge of the roof.
 24. The kit of claim 23, further comprising at least one electrical cable that is able to provide electrical power to the electrically heated channels.
 25. The device of claim 23, wherein the electrical heating element includes a heating regulator that maintains the heating element at least one of above freezing temperature, and at a constant temperature. 